When to order

Because our dresses are ready-to-ship rather than made-to-order, you do not have to wait months for your dress to arrive! However, to ensure a stress-free experience, we still highly recommend ordering your dress well in advance of your special event.

Here is our suggested timeline and what to consider when deciding when to place your order with The Dress Outlet.

Our Recommended Timeline 

For most events, we recommend ordering your dress 4 to 6 weeks before your event date.

If you are coordinating a bridal party (such as bridesmaids or Mother of the Bride/Groom), we recommend ordering 2 to 3 months in advance to ensure everyone receives their dresses and to account for any group coordination.

Why Order Early?

• Time for Alterations: Formal wear often requires minor alterations to achieve the perfect, custom fit (such as hemming the length, taking in the bodice, or adjusting the straps). We suggest leaving at least 2 to 4 weeks for a local seamstress to make these adjustments.

• Room for Exchanges: Ordering early gives you a safety net. If the dress isn't exactly what you envisioned or you need to swap out the size, an early order ensures you are well within our 7-day return/exchange window and have plenty of time to receive your replacement.

• Peace of Mind: Shipping delays, weather events, and courier issues can occasionally happen. Ordering early removes the stress of relying on last-minute deliveries.

Processing & Shipping Times 

Once your order is placed, it typically takes our warehouse 1 to 2 business days to process and pack your items. After processing, standard shipping delivery times will apply based on your location.

Need It Sooner? 

If you are shopping last-minute, don't panic! We offer expedited shipping options at checkout. Just be sure to select a faster shipping method to ensure your dress arrives in time for your event, and keep in mind that expedited shipping fees are non-refundable in the event of a return.